PopHorror Let's Get Scared
One of my favorite films of 2019 is the intense thriller, Perception (read my review – here). Although it’s been a few weeks since I’ve watched it, I find myself always thinking about certain scenes and performances. I was happy to get the opportunity to interview one of the stars of the film, Caitlin Mehner.
Caitlin Mehner is a fantastic actress. I loved her role in Perception and I think she will continue to do great things in her career. Learn more about why she became an actress, how this role came about for her, and more.
PopHorror – It’s great to speak with you, Caitlin. What was your first acting role? Also, what was the first project you did – where you knew this what you wanted to do?
Caitlin Mehner – The first acting role I remember was playing the ‘Little Red Hen’ in a kindergarten play. Yes, I was a chicken. I’ve played plenty of barnyard animals over the years. I think I got the part because I was the only five-year-old who could remember the lines. Clearly some stiff competition. My mother made my costume out of a red hoodie and I vividly remember the feeling of being up on the stage in front of all those people. That moment is definitely what started it all…
I always wanted to be an actor. I don’t remember a time I ever wanted to do anything else with my life. I feel so fortunate that I was supported and encouraged to follow this path.
PopHorror – (Laughs) I’m sure you were an adorable chicken! Your new film Perception is fantastic. How did that role come about for you?
Caitlin Mehner – Thank you so much!
I had worked with the co-writer and producer, Brian Smith, before. He recommended me to the director and co-writer, Ilana Rein. She came to New York and we had a meeting and really hit it off. When they were ready to make the film I was lucky enough to be offered the role of Maggie. It doesn’t always work out so easily!
PopHorror – You were perfect for the role. Your character is quite mysterious throughout the film and a great artist who is eager to make it and puts her career first. Can you relate to her at all?
Caitlin Mehner – Absolutely. I felt such kinship with Maggie. Maggie has a true artist’s soul. Her pursuit of art comes before everything else in her life. And she’s a badass! She knows what she wants and she goes after it unapologetically. I find that inspirational. She also understands that kind of passion and drive comes with sacrifice. She’s brave.
PopHorror – Couldn’t agree more. This role has some pretty intense scenes. Is there anything you do to prepare for scenes like this to get yourself in character?
Caitlin Mehner – Without giving anything away, there were definitely some intense moments filming this movie.
My goal, no matter what is happening in the scene, is to be truthful, grounded, and connected to the circumstances. You come prepared with all your homework – Who is this person? Where is she coming from? What does she care about? etc., and that preparedness informs how you react to every other character and in every situation. At the end of the day for me, it’s all about being truthful and being real.
Again I don’t want to give anything away, but there are several different ‘Maggies’ in the film. There’s the real Maggie, there’s Daniel’s interpretation and memory of Maggie, and a few others. I wanted to make it clear these were slightly different versions of the same person. First, find the ‘real’ Maggie and then interpret who she is through these different lenses. It wasn’t something I had done before and I loved the challenge of creating these different sides of her. Often when we remember someone who is gone it’s through rose-colored lenses.
PopHorror – Beautifully said! Perception plays out like a mystery thriller. Do you enjoy this genre and if so what is your favorite thriller or horror?
Caitlin Mehner – Yes, I love psychological thrillers and horror films. I just have to be careful when I watch them. I’m definitely not brave enough to watch them alone at night! I get really, really affected by what’s happening on screen. I just watched The Perfection by Richard Shepherd. It was so intense! I was peaking through my fingers half the movie!
PopHorror – It is super crazy! Do you have any favorite scenes in Perception?
Caitlin Mehner – I love them all! Of my scenes, I think my favorite is the scene with Maggie and Daniel in the bathroom. That scene was the last of the day and we were running very behind schedule so they ended up shooting the scene in one continuous shot. I think we only did two takes, but it turned out so beautifully! Often when you’re under pressure is when you’re challenged to be your most creative.
